Human Services Overview and Social Policy

Study Notes

Human Services Overview

Human services encompass all support mechanisms available for individuals facing life challenges and stressors.

Social policies include principles, guidelines, and concepts that direct a society's interactions with its members, often formalized through laws and regulations.

Changes Since the 1950s

Shift in perception regarding the effectiveness of traditional service systems.
Increased sociopolitical awareness has influenced human service delivery.
Federal funding has become more available for community programs.
Recognition that existing helping systems may be inadequate.
Emergence of a need for new personnel and resources.
Development of socio-psychological intervention strategies to better serve populations.
Establishment of formal organizations focused on human services.

Cultural Competence Qualities

Valuing diversity: Acknowledge and accept differences in clients.
Self-assessment: Human service workers reflect on their own cultural biases.
Understanding the dynamics of difference: Recognizing challenges in client-worker relationships while fostering a positive environment.
Development of cultural knowledge: Learning about the cultures of clients being served.
Adapting to diversity: Adjusting methods to meet the diverse needs of clients.

Continuum of Cultural Competence

Cultural destructiveness: A lack of respect for other cultures.
Cultural incapacity: Inability to respond effectively to cultural differences.
Cultural blindness: Ignoring cultural differences.
Cultural competence: Understanding and actively respecting cultural differences.
Advanced cultural competence: Proactively engaging with and promoting cultural diversity.

Various Viewpoints in Human Behavior

Organic viewpoint: Identifies genetic, biochemical, or trauma causes behind dysfunction.
Psychodynamic viewpoint: Considers early childhood experiences as pivotal in shaping behavior.
Psychological viewpoint: Focuses on self-concept and learning theories to explain behavior.

Maslow's Contribution

Abraham Maslow introduced a conceptual framework for optimal mental health, defining standards considered "normal" within healing professions.

National Organization for Human Service Workers (NOHS) and Education Standards

Promotion of understanding optimal functioning conditions in major human systems.
Importance of comprehending individual, group, and community interaction dynamics.
Development of skills for intervention identification and implementation.
Emphasis on planning and evaluating intervention effectiveness.
Commitment to congruent values in client interactions and service provision.

Characteristics of General Human Service Workers

Operate with a limited number of services across diverse areas.
Collaborate with various agencies and professionals.
Familiarity with an array of techniques and services available.
Focus on ongoing professional learning and development.

Special Population Services

Focus on specific demographics requiring tailored services, including:
- Children and adolescents.
- Domestic abuse survivors.
- Elderly population needs.
- Substance use and abuse issues.
- Mental health challenges.
- Services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Support within the correctional system.
- Addressing poverty and homelessness.

Description

Explore the fundamental concepts of human services and social policy, including the shifts since the 1950s that have shaped their evolution. Understand the importance of cultural competence and the need for effective service systems in addressing client diversity and challenges.